When librarian Carly finds a copy of The Empty Nester’s Handbook: Living Your Best Life When the Kids Leave Home, she thinks it will serve as a guide to the future she and her husband Frank have imagined. Actually, she could never have imagined what the future has in store for her. The problems of an overindulged 22 years old son who likes the comforts of home, the needs of her crotchety elder father, work responsibilities and some unexpected family problems (see Eddie) are enough to threaten her marriage and even her identity. While this sounds like a seriously depressing novel, it isn’t. As one setback after another changes Carly’s plans, the tone is humorous and becomes laugh-out-loud funny. Carly is a survivor and without spoilers, she goes through a lot!

The Full Nest is a delightful look at midlife problems and what happens when life does not go as expected. While at times I thought Carly was too much of a pushover, her caring spirit shines through everything she does. The Full Nest shows how families and relationships can stay strong through challenges. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Fiona Gibson for this ARC.

A book I could definitely relate to, since my husband and I became “empty nesters” recently!

Frank and Carly have raised three kids, and are beginning to imagine what life might be like when it’s just the two of them. They never dreamed of the chaos that would ensue when their last child moved out…
At times laugh out loud hilarious, and others where the reader will possibly feel a lump in the throat; it’s a must read for anyone whose children have, or soon will, have “flown the coop.”

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This is a well written story, just not for me. I am giving 3 stars because the story is perfectly fine.

I did not care for the plot since it was depressing to me. Most of the characters are taking advantage of the main character Carly and she lets them walk all over her because she accepts that their happiness is greater than hers. I know it is common now to have grown children still living in their parent’s house, but her son is treating her like a servant, and it was very difficult to read about that. Also, I was blessed with wonderful parents, and unfortunately, Carly has a grump for a dad, and that also was very difficult for me to read about.

I will stop with that since I will give away more of the plot if I keep typing. I am sure some readers will find humor in this book. I really did not. I found a sad situation, but I am happy to say I read the entire book.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Had fan and liked it. Entertaining and heartwarming
Liked it . Due to health issues cannot will write a proper review at a later time
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mineA more extensive review will follow

"I think the worst thing we imagine often turns out to not be so bad after all."

Parenting doesn’t stop when the kids grow up—especially when they refuse to move out!

Carly and Frank were ready to enjoy the perks of an empty nest—peaceful dinners, uninterrupted conversations, and vacations that didn’t involve kids’ clubs. But life had other plans. Instead of newfound freedom, Carly finds herself managing a full house once again. Her elderly father moves in, needing more help than he’d like to admit, and her grown son Eddie seems way too comfortable living rent-free. Just when she thinks she might finally catch a break, Eddie throws in a curveball that shakes things up even more.

The writing style is easy to read and follow along with. The descriptions were just detailed enough to get a general idea, though I had a hard time picturing their cottage or Lyla's flat. It was a bit of a mix—sometimes I had to fill in the gaps myself, but it worked out. I liked the multiple perspectives, but the switch between first and third person threw me off a little. Carly’s inner dialogue, though, was a highlight—I felt every bit of her frustration at constantly having to take care of everyone.

I don’t have kids, but I imagine Carly’s feelings are exactly what my mom went through when she wasn’t sure how my brother would make it in the world. Eventually, you have to let go, and they either fail or succeed. (view spoiler) All the characters grow by the end, even Carly’s dad—who, after a questionable experience with some expired 1960s canned food, learns a thing or two himself.

While I enjoyed the book, I wasn’t a fan of some of the actions near the end and how they seemed to be brushed under the rug. It was an easy, enjoyable read, but it didn’t quite wow me enough for a five-star rating. That said, it had some great moments.

Overall, I'd give this book four out of five stars. It’s a warm, humorous take on family life, packed with relatable struggles and heartfelt moments. If you’re looking for a light but thoughtful read about the chaos of a full house, this one’s worth picking up.

"She knows I like a romantic story with a happy ending, but I realize that real life..."

"It's a bit more messy than that."

"It is."

"But it's also wonderful."

A fantastically funny and refreshing read. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fabulous, the storyline is heart warming and the conclusion leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside. A great feel good read. I devoured this in a few hours as I could not bear to be parted from the craziness of Carly and Franks family. Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

3.5*. The Full Nest is book about a family with 3 kids who have (finally) left home leaving Mom & Dad alone. Or so they think! Realistic story with more than one happy ending.

Thank you Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being 384 pages, it was a quick, easy and fun read. Humorous to the point where I laughed out loud several times. Unexpected friendships and relationships were formed that I liked. Most of the characters I really enjoyed, and the pace was great. Nice ending, cozy sleepy, seaside town setting, which I love, overall just lovely book.

Excited to read more books by Fiona Gibson.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

This was a fun story about families. Carly and her husband Frank, look forward to finally living alone in their small cottage, Kilmory Cottage. They raised a family of one son and two daughters in the cottage on the seaside in Sandy Banks Bay.

Nothing goes as planned, soon Carly’s father moves in and their son comes home. Everything falls apart for Carly as she battles on, supported by her friends at the library where she works.

This was about families, friendships. Lots of humour.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher Avon for a chance to read this E-Book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A funny and entertaining treat of a read, you'll love this book if you find yourself to be an empty nester! The whole book from the characters to the plot was incredibly relatable and even therapeutic in a way.

I love Fiona Gibsons style of writing & this book is a real treat. A novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the complexities of family life.

It's Warm, funny & entertaining while also tackling real life issues & trying to find yourself amongst it all. The characters are relatable and endearing.
Carly is a protagonist that readers will instantly connect with, & her struggles with family, aging parents, & finding her own identity will resonate with many.

It's a heartwarming and hilarious reminder that family life is never perfect, but it's always worth it.

Carly and Frank have finally had their family leave home and as much as they love them dearly, it it surely time for them.
But life isn't like that. Told by various family points of view, as various crisies happen, it seems that as one person leaves, another arrives. Can Carly keep her family safe and happy and still have time for herself and Frank?
Thought provoking and funny.

This is a funny, warm-hearted romance that beautifully explores "empty nest syndrome" and the challenges of navigating life when the children have left home. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making it easy to connect with their journey. The story is both heartfelt and uplifting, with the perfect balance of humour and emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good, engaging read.

This book was so, so relatable! Fiona Gibson writes in a brilliant way about feelings and emotions.

Sure, there were moments that I felt annoyed with the main character, Carly, as she felt so weak towards her son and husband, but on the other hand this is the way we, mothers, are, right? You can be so, so angry with your children, but you still call them "love" and "honey" and you can be so, so angry with your husband, but you know that marriage is one huge compromise and you simply give up. That's the way it works. And this is also why this book works so well, I think - the way Fiona Gibson managed to capture all the characters, making them feel so real and human, is really great.

So it's funny, but it's also down to earth and you really care about the characters, even though they are going to annoy it - but that's the great way of the author of describing them in such a way. It's a story that will pull you in, will make you roll your eyes at the characters' antics and nod with agrrement and understanding.

This book gives you an insightful and humorous look into different family dynamics and relationships. Through the different points of view it gives you a great look at how different situations could be seen through different eyes - interesting! And now I'm not so sure if I'm really looking forward to my own "empty nest"...

The Full Nest by Fiona Gibson hits the mark, telling the tale of a couple who should be empty nesters, but keep getting thwarted by family.
In case anyone thinks the kinds of things that happen in this book can't possibly happen in real life, let me tell you that they definitely do. I related to this book so much that reading it was almost uncomfortable. It perhaps hit too close to home for me.
Those still raising kids might want to read this book as a cautionary tale.
Regardless, the book is well-written and compelling, as readers have come to expect of Gibson.
Thank you for the ARC of #TheFullNest to #NetGalley.

I love Fiona Gibson's books & this one did not disappoint. Full of great characters & an engaging story line. Told from different perspectives that made this story so enjoyable.

This is the first Fiona Gibson novel I have had the pleasure of reading, and what a great writer she is! Her easy, streamlined narrative makes this such an enjoyable read. For me, what the author excelled at in the story is just the pure familial relatability, which this has in bucketloads. It's a steady read, with no real pointless drama and no irritable one-note villain (thank goodness!) which makes it such a comfy experience. All the characters are dynamic, specifically the three children, but I feel like Frank, the husband, could've had "more" about him, and his arc confused me a little. Carly, our main point of view who is the mom of the family, also needed a little more depth (I really did enjoy her overbearingness!) but there needed to be a bit more of an emotional arc for her. If anything, it feels like Frank and Carly's third act should've been swapped. But for what it is, this is such a well-done book!

Great read for curling up on the sofa with. As someone who has an empty nest, you do wonder if they will turn into boomerangs and keep reappearing when you thought you are on to your next chapter. The various situations which occur are the more extreme of why they may come back and hopefully not one I’ll encounter!

Enjoyed

Fiona Gibson is the queen of relatable comedies and she's done it again.

Carly and Frank have three grown up children who have already flown the nest, and are looking forward to being just the two of them. But life has a funny way of working out, and before long, Carly's ill Kenny moves in with them. Eddie, their eldest son is also struggling, having recently moved to Edinburgh, and a host of problems seem to land at Carly's feet.

I really enjoyed this book, there were parts I could have written myself. Perfect for us peri-menopausal ladies who are squeezed between children on the cusp of leaving home, whilst caring for parents as they get older.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.